News and Stories

The Salinas, California growing region has experienced sporadic showers and high winds throughout the day; they are expected to continue intermittently through the morning of Friday, May 8. Most growers were able to complete a full day’s production with only minor delays, but a few had to end harvesting early due to rain. Harvesting and/or loading delays may continue through Saturday, May 9 depending on how much more rain is recorded.

Last week’s high temperatures (in the low 90s) received late last week, coupled with this week’s showers, have already caused sporadic quality and shelf-life concerns in lettuces, strawberries, and tender leaf items. Markon inspectors will be monitoring product for some of the following weather-related issues and will update further with more information soon:

• Bottom rot
• Bruising in strawberries
• Core material in value-added salads
• Higher respiration rates in value-added items
• Increased mildew pressure
• Internal burn in lettuce items
• Pin rot in broccoli
• Premature pinking
• Shortened shelf-life
• Soft texture in strawberries
• Water damage in strawberries

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

John Galvez

Quality Assurance

markon.com

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